Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-10-16
Mr.. CORCORAN's LETTER.
The following is well worth reading


c. 4. BohanRon, hog, Secrrtdry, de-:
Dear Sir,-I have tho honor 90 acknowledge
the recent Of tie obliging note by winch the
Confederate veterans Of II. l.. Ice Camp. No.
], invite me 20 participate in the ceremonies IN
cident TO tho laying Of the corner stone OF
monument 10 General Robert +. Lee, at Rich
moud, Va, Thursday the 9Th Instant.
have Withheld my reply for many days IN
the hOIe that 10y my presence ] might eve my
self the happiness Of bearing wimest to the
deep interest take in your enterprise. and TO
the profound reverence cherish for the great
man aud illusrious soldier whose viz
tues and whose exploits you seek 20 commcm-
Orate i regret 20 sEy. however, that the state
Of my health, though improved, IA still
70 unsteady a. 90 adm0Iish me, at my al
vanccd ace, against the prudence Of under
taxing journey which involves some fatigue,
and witch would DC sure 20 put some strain ON
my strength 10y the very pleasures promised 10
me ina such a hOspitable city q, Richmond.
must therefore, most reluctantly renOunce
the cherished hope Of being with you on this
most interesting occasion. But though not
with you In person, shah be with yod in spirit
and in fullest sympathy with the adm!rng
homage which you bring 70 The name ana
memory OF your great country man.
IL WAS my good fortune 20 have been hOnored
with the intimate acquaintance ano close
friendship OF General Lee during tho whole
period Of bis public career, ana whether re-
call him as he moved IN the social sphere,
which he adorned 10y his virtues and graces, or
az he lowered above his coniem poraries on that
higher stage where the luatre OF his great quail
Ties ehOne in the Dyes OF the whole civilized
world eau truly say, with no small experience
Of my fellOW-men, that OF all inc men
/ ever knew he always seemed 10 me the
most remarkable Cor tee grandeur a. Wei as
for the symmetry Of the elements which COM
posed The strength ard beauty OF his peerless
Character. For such was the natural cvnstitu-
tiOn and such the harmonious bond OF tncse
elements that in tho gentieness anu oeh'ehi,y
Of his deme6nOr, he was seen % be ne great IN
his goodness as lie was good IN al bis great
ness
like All truly great and good men. General
Lee had ia the highest degree that simplicity
of character which springs from purity OF
heart as well az from the perfect transparency
Of a clear intelligence.
Endowed with an understanding which was
Is calm a. II was penetrating aud profound, he
always possessed his sOul In patience which
never murmured, aud serenity which wa
never runied Whatever might DO the duties he
was summoned 10 perform or whatever might
be the perlle ho was called 20 face.
Noduty ever found him unprepared NO ul9i
ever shook his steadfaSt mind. Intrepid III
all assaults OF fortune ana tue very sou, o.
honor. be was the Chcyalier Bayard OF MS DAY
knight without fear and without repnoach
because In him al that was sOidierly iu con-
duct met and mingled with all that was blame
less 10 life. With an integrity which rooted IL
eei In the very nbre Of his moral constitution
and which. therefore, never gathered spot ol
stain throughout the whole OF lls long any
eventual career, no yet rad hot ,he sissssos'
hut walked before men with the modosty aud
humility born Of deep rehgious spirit
Itis only those who know him wen IN All tht
serene DEPTHS OF his mental ana moral Delns
who can account for the herOism he displayed
on the neid Of battle, and the greater her0isn
Which he displayed after he mad sheathod hi'
sword and bowed, without rcpining, 70 the 10
cree OF an ovcrruling Providence.
Although the lie aud example OF such a mai
may Justly seem 70 belong, In some specia
tense, w the state and section which stood II
= LII Of al - rF.s
All his gcodnees. yet the whole c0untr.
may rightly claim It's share la tho heritage o
thai renown which all goaerocs minds ar
Quick 30 accord 10 exalted yiuues whereve
found. aud 70 magnsnimiiy Of soul whoreyer
sense OF right.
Renewing 10 you my thanks for your courtesy
l am, my dear sir, yours most sincerely.
w. w. CoRCORAs.
WASHINGTON AND LER UNIVERSITY.
Yesterday Or. q. Watson James. pre-
\ sident Of the Richmond association o
Washington and Lee Alumni, received
4 letter from Professor James j. White
in (which thefollowing occurs:
A committee OF the faculty Of washing,ol
aud Lee University consisting Of Messrs Harris
Brown. Humphreys, ana myself. are appointeC
70 attend the Lee monument ceremonies on
TIE 9Th instant, and We will also be- represent
ca by q large committee Of students-froty
thirty 10 nifty. This number win be- recruited
by alumni here, and fwrite 20 suggest that you
confer with Page, Preston, Bowie, and others N
Kichmond with view Of enlisting both loca
and visiting alumni OF Washington aud Lee 4
toin US Ia tho procession think We ought &
be as well represented as possible, and an
sure that We will bring q nucleus Of NIFTY OF
sixty, about which others can gather. We will
70 down on the evening Of the 20th by the
Richmond and Allegheny railroad, reaching
the city about or A. NJ. the 9th, and return
the night VI the 9Th, remaining In Richmond
only during the day.
There will be meeting OF resident
Washington and Lee alumni in the
rooms OF the Chamber OF Commerce
Monday afternoon at 8 O'Clock. Ii is